The Maddermarket Theatre sits in the centre of the East Anglian city of Norwich

 

Support for Tubeway Days was provided by a 3-piece band called ULTRA:Foxx, a tribute band from the Midlands recreating the music of Ultravox (both the John Foxx and Midge Ure eras) as well as John Foxxs' solo material. They're normally a 4-piece, however, their drummer was unable to take part this evening. Having only 10 minutes to set up and sound check, these guys started their set seemingly unphased and got straight into the music with their rendition of Ultravox's "Sleepwalk". They then proceeded to belt out their versions of songs such as "Passing Strangers", "The Thin Wall", "Underpass", "Burning Car" (yeah these guys are real JF fans), "Slow Motion"', "Hiroshima Mon Amour", "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes", "The Voice" and of course, "Vienna". The excellent guitarist and keyboard were really tight, the music was excellently performed and captured the necessary essence of the artists they were covering.

 

We need to talk about the lead singer Gary Pennill - we were seriously surprised that this was his "first ever gig in any form, so was nervous" (Gary's actual words), he took to the stage and sung his heart out, keeping things going between songs. Now what's essential to know here is that Gary simply didn't sound like either Midge Ure or John Foxx, but that seriously worked in his favour as he was able to put HIS stamp on the songs and, for us (we're BIG Ultravox fans!!!), that is what made this set so bloody good, providing the absolute essence of what a tribute band should be - a group of great musicians getting out there and covering well-loved songs, in their own way and making those songs their own. Now, we are quite sure Gary will absolutely hate us for saying this, but, and this is a genuinely positive comment, ANYONE who covers Midge Ure-era Ultravox MUST do one simple, but totally necessary, thing to completely nail the authenticity, the mood and the atmosphere - mash up the lyrics - he did on one song and yes, we looked at one another, we grinned widely, we punched the air and we absolutely applauded it!!!.

 

As you may have read in previous reviews, the three elements of style, performance and presentation are essential for any successful act, and it has to be said that ULTRA:foxx ticked all three boxes; they had style (immaculately dressed in shirt, tie and grey suits), they didn't just stand there and play, they got up on stage and performed, and their presentation was excellent with a simple back drop (which matched their grey suits), the keyboard set up painted to match and of course, well thought out set. We thoroughly enjoyed ULTRA:foxx, as did all the people we spoke to afterwards (some of whom were performing musos themselves) and can confidently tell you that these are ones to watch, we'll certainly be keeping a close eye on their progress as they get their foothold on the gig circuit.

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